What to read this weekend: A deep dive into humankind's search for alien life

Google recently released an advertisement for its AI search tool, created entirely using its AI video tool Veo 3, but controversially chose not to label it as AI-generated. This decision has sparked discussions about transparency in advertising and the ethical implications of using AI in marketing. As consumers become more aware of AI's role in content creation, this move could lead to a backlash against the company, raising questions about trust and authenticity in digital advertising.

Getty Images has partnered with AI startup Perplexity in a multi-year licensing agreement, allowing the startup to incorporate Getty's extensive image library into its search and discovery tools. This collaboration is significant as it enhances the visual capabilities of AI-powered search, providing users with richer and more engaging content. By leveraging Getty's high-quality images, Perplexity aims to improve user experience and drive innovation in the AI space.

Google has launched its first AI-generated advertisement to promote the AI mode of its Search feature. Interestingly, the ad does not disclose that it was created using Veo 3 and other tools, which raises questions about transparency in AI-generated content. This move is significant as it marks a step forward in integrating AI into marketing strategies, but it also highlights the ongoing debate about the ethical implications of using AI without clear labeling.

In the latest installment of our FastAPI series, we tackle the important feature of full-text search for your forum. As your community grows and content piles up, finding specific posts can become a challenge. This new functionality not only enhances user experience but also fosters engagement by making it easier for users to discover relevant discussions. Implementing this search feature is a crucial step in building a vibrant online community, ensuring that users can easily navigate and participate in conversations that matter to them.

In today's AI-driven search landscape, brands are learning that they can't solely own answers but can still play a crucial role in shaping the information that surfaces. This shift highlights the importance of adapting to new technologies and understanding how they influence visibility. As AI continues to evolve, brands must find innovative ways to contribute to the conversation and ensure they remain relevant in a rapidly changing environment.

Installing Ruby is a crucial first step before diving into Ruby on Rails, and it can be tricky if you overlook any details. This article provides a clear, beginner-friendly guide based on personal experience with The Odin Project, making the installation process smoother for newcomers. Understanding how to properly set up Ruby not only helps in mastering Rails but also enhances your overall programming skills.

Brisk is an innovative text-to-speech web app designed to make reading easier and more accessible for everyone. Whether you're studying, multitasking, or have specific accessibility needs, Brisk quickly converts text into natural-sounding speech, eliminating the fatigue of reading long paragraphs. This user-friendly tool stands out for its simplicity and effectiveness, allowing users to enjoy a seamless experience without the hassle of complicated installations or costly APIs. It's a game-changer for anyone looking to enhance their productivity or accessibility.

This week marks the beginning of an exciting journey into cloud computing with Terraform, focusing on deploying your first Azure virtual machine (VM). Understanding how to set up your infrastructure as code is crucial in today's tech landscape, and this guide breaks down the process step by step. By learning to create a structured folder and file setup, you'll gain the skills to manage resources efficiently, making your cloud deployments smoother and more reliable. This knowledge not only enhances your technical abilities but also opens up new opportunities in the rapidly evolving field of cloud technology.

The recent development of a demo UI for the R2E API using Next.js and Render is an exciting advancement in the tech community. This project builds on a previous article about creating an API that connects business challenges to relevant research papers. By adding a user-friendly front-end interface, users can now easily interact with the API, enhancing accessibility and usability. This matters because it not only showcases the capabilities of modern web technologies but also provides a practical tool for researchers and businesses looking to leverage data effectively.

In 2025, a freelance software developer shares the seven paid subscriptions that have transformed their workflow, making freelancing more manageable and enjoyable. These tools have helped streamline client management, enhance coding practices, and boost personal projects, ultimately leading to a more productive and creative work environment. This insight is valuable for anyone in the tech industry looking to optimize their freelance journey.

A recent update to the popular SoybeenAdmin dashboard template has improved user experience by fixing a bug that prevented the scrollbar color from changing in dark mode. This enhancement, which affects both Firefox and Chrome, showcases the ongoing commitment to refining web development tools. With over 13,000 stars on GitHub, this project continues to gain traction, making it an essential resource for developers looking to create visually appealing applications.